kill two birds with one stone
To accomplish two things with one action
حرفيًا: To kill (end life of) two birds using only one stone (rock).
Use this to describe a clever shortcut that solves two problems at once.
في 15 ثانية
- Complete two different tasks with a single action.
- The ultimate idiom for efficiency and clever multitasking.
- Used in both casual chats and professional planning.
المعنى
Imagine you have two chores to do. You find one clever way to finish both at the exact same time.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Planning a commute
I'll drop the kids at school on my way to work to kill two birds with one stone.
I will drop the kids at school on my way to work to accomplish two things with one action.
Business lunch
Let's discuss the contract over dinner; we can kill two birds with one stone.
Let's discuss the contract over dinner; we can do two things at once.
Texting a friend
I'm heading to the mall for shoes and a gift. Two birds, one stone!
I am going to the mall for shoes and a gift. Two tasks, one trip!
خلفية ثقافية
The phrase is believed to have roots in the story of Daedalus and Icarus, but it became a common English proverb in the 1600s. It reflects a Western cultural obsession with efficiency and 'multitasking.' While the imagery is violent, it is almost never used literally in modern times.
Shorten it for speed
In casual conversation, you don't need the whole sentence. Just saying 'Two birds, one stone' after explaining a plan is very natural.
The 'Animal' factor
Some people find the imagery of killing birds unpleasant. If you are talking to a strict animal rights advocate, use 'accomplish two things at once' instead.
في 15 ثانية
- Complete two different tasks with a single action.
- The ultimate idiom for efficiency and clever multitasking.
- Used in both casual chats and professional planning.
What It Means
Think of this as the ultimate life hack. It is about efficiency. You have two separate problems or goals. Instead of doing two tasks, you find one action that solves both. It is like going to the gym and listening to an educational podcast. You get fit and learn at the same time. You are being smart with your time.
How To Use It
You usually use this phrase to explain a plan. You can say, I can kill two birds with one stone. It often follows an 'if' or 'by' statement. For example, By walking to work, I kill two birds with one stone. You get exercise and arrive at the office. It sounds proactive and clever. People will think you are a great multitasker.
When To Use It
Use it when you feel productive. It works great at the office when suggesting a meeting. Let's meet over lunch to kill two birds with one stone. You eat and you work. It is perfect for travel plans too. If you visit a friend in a city where you also have a dentist appointment, you are killing those birds. It shows you value your limited time.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with literal animal lovers or in sad situations. If you are at a funeral, do not talk about efficiency. Avoid it if the two tasks are very serious. For instance, do not say it about firing two people at once. That is just mean. Also, if the tasks are unrelated and messy, the phrase feels forced. Keep it for clever shortcuts.
Cultural Background
This idiom is very old. It likely comes from ancient Greek mythology or Ovid. The idea is that stones were once weapons for hunting. Hitting two targets with one throw was a sign of incredible skill. Today, we don't actually want to hurt birds. We just love the idea of being super productive. It is a staple of the English 'hustle' culture.
Common Variations
Most people say the full phrase. Sometimes people shorten it to just two birds, one stone. You might hear someone say, It's a two-birds-one-stone situation. In modern slang, some people say feed two birds with one scone. This is a 'kinder' version for vegetarians or animal rights fans. However, the original 'kill' version is still the most common by far.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
The phrase is perfectly safe for work and casual life. Just remember it focuses on the *action* being the same for both results.
Shorten it for speed
In casual conversation, you don't need the whole sentence. Just saying 'Two birds, one stone' after explaining a plan is very natural.
The 'Animal' factor
Some people find the imagery of killing birds unpleasant. If you are talking to a strict animal rights advocate, use 'accomplish two things at once' instead.
The Vegan Version
A popular modern alternative is 'Feed two birds with one scone.' It's a bit 'cheesy' (corny), but it's a fun way to show you're kind to animals!
أمثلة
6I'll drop the kids at school on my way to work to kill two birds with one stone.
I will drop the kids at school on my way to work to accomplish two things with one action.
Shows a daily routine efficiency.
Let's discuss the contract over dinner; we can kill two birds with one stone.
Let's discuss the contract over dinner; we can do two things at once.
Professional yet friendly way to suggest a working meal.
I'm heading to the mall for shoes and a gift. Two birds, one stone!
I am going to the mall for shoes and a gift. Two tasks, one trip!
Shortened version common in texting.
I forgot my anniversary and my wife's birthday, so I bought one really expensive gift to kill two birds with one stone.
I forgot both dates, so I bought one gift to solve both problems.
Using the phrase to justify a funny or risky shortcut.
If we update the software now, we can kill two birds with one stone by fixing the bugs and adding the new features.
Updating now allows us to fix bugs and add features simultaneously.
Focuses on technical efficiency.
I can pick up your medicine while I'm at the grocery store and kill two birds with one stone.
I can get your medicine while shopping to save a trip.
Shows helpfulness through efficiency.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence about saving time.
I decided to cycle to the office to ___; I get my workout and avoid traffic.
Cycling serves two purposes: exercise and commuting, which fits the meaning of the idiom.
Complete the informal text message.
If you meet me at the cafe, we can have coffee and finish the project. Two ___, one stone!
The standard idiom always uses 'birds' as the target.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality of 'Kill two birds with one stone'
Used with friends for daily errands.
I'll grab milk while I'm out. Two birds, one stone.
Common in office talk and planning.
We can kill two birds with one stone by merging these meetings.
Rarely used in very formal writing, but okay in speeches.
The policy aims to kill two birds with one stone.
When to use 'Two Birds, One Stone'
Commuting
Reading on the train.
Socializing
A gym date with a friend.
Work
A working lunch.
Errands
Banking while at the mall.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNo, it is 100% metaphorical. It refers to achieving two goals with a single effort, like studying while exercising.
Yes, it is very common in business. It shows you are thinking about efficiency and time management.
You can, but it's a joke. People say kill three birds with one stone to show they are being extra productive.
Generally, no. However, avoid it in sensitive situations like hospitals or funerals where the word kill might feel insensitive.
The most common short form is simply Two birds, one stone. You say this after you describe your efficient plan.
Usually, it's for positive productivity. If you do two bad things at once, people don't usually use this idiom.
The phrase is the same in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia. It is a universal English idiom.
It is becoming a popular 'pun' or alternative, but the original kill version is still much more frequent.
No, it is too idiomatic for formal academic writing. Use maximize efficiency or simultaneously achieve instead.
If you say kill two dogs, people will be very confused and worried! Stick to birds.
عبارات ذات صلة
Work smarter, not harder
Finding efficient ways to complete tasks.
Get more bang for your buck
Getting more value for the money or effort you spend.
Multitasking
Doing more than one thing at the same time.
Hitting the jackpot
Achieving a great result, sometimes through a single action.
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